Solids, Liquids and Gases, Oh My!

Our class has just started a unit on Matter. Over the next few weeks we will be conducting experiments to learn all about solids, liquids and gases. Yesterday students worked in their science journals. 

After reading a book about Matter, kids wrote definitions for each state of matter and drew pictures to show an example. 

In the afternoon we conducted an experiment to find out what happens when you put an ice cube in warm water. The kids are learning to write lab reports, just like real scientists! 

We discovered that the ice melted and the water got cooler. The heat from the water caused the ice (solid) to turn into water (a liquid). 

Gobble, gobble!

We have been having a great time learning all about turkeys this week. Ask your child to tell you some of the interesting things we have learned about these fascinating birds. 

Today we had fun painting our own colorful turkeys. 

Reading

During our Reader's Workshop we have a lot going on in the classroom. Kids are reading independently or with a buddy, working on Lexia,  practicing handwriting, working on spelling skills, participating in a reading group with me or working on a book project. There are lots of opportunities for the kids to practice their reading skills!

Reading with someone is a new favorite part of our Reading Workshop. 

Projects related to books we read during reading group are a great way to share what they have learned or to strengthen comprehension skills. Here a group is working on posters about ocean animals. 

Halloween!

We had a great day on Friday celebrating Halloween! All the kids looked fantastic in their costumes. 

We also had Pete the Cat visit our room to tell a Halloween story and to read a favorite book, Room on the Broom. Thanks, Marie! 

In the afternoon we had some delicious treats made by Robyn, Zoie and Andrea. We also had a healthy snack, ghost bananas, sent in by Julia. Thank you all for your contributions! 

What a fun day! 

4-Winds

We had such fun today learning about dirt and the things that live in it. Here are some of the kids observing worms, before going outside to dig in the dirt in search of more creatures.

Patterns

In math this week we have been exploring patterns. Yesterday the children used craft sticks to make patterns in the classroom. This is always a favorite activity and the kids are always so creative. Today we looked at number patterns, including skip counting patterns.

We also played a great card game called Before and After. You can play the same game at home with a regular deck of cards, just remove the face cards. Ask your child how to play. 

Writer's Workshop

Wow, what great writers everyone is becoming! We have the opportunity to write every day and I am amazed at the growth I am seeing.  The kids have all written numerous stories, which they love to share with each other! Encourage your child to write at home, journals and letter writing are great ways to practice skills learned at school.